Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Telegram in Iran on verge of being blocked Iran’s supreme leader leaves Telegram as talk increases of the imminent blocking of the popular messaging app. Iran
Will Netanyahu's quest to limit high court's authority stifle democracy? A battle championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a law prohibiting the Supreme Court from overturning legislation might succeed, despite warnings that it would effectively destroy democracy in Israel. Israel
Iraqi musicians fight to revive ancient art of maqam A handful of enthusiasts are trying to save Iraq's age-old melodic system known as maqam, which was placed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. Iraq
Egyptian women replace smoking with qatrouna In Upper Egypt, while men come together for shisha, women relax by chewing a mix of tobacco and tar — yet health professionals warn of the many dangers. Egypt
Why so many Turks are losing faith in Islam Turkish politicians and media outlets have been discussing why so many young people are opting for “deism” at a time when Islam seems more ascendant than ever. Turkey
Gaza restaurant offers food to poor families Gazan restaurant owner Abdallah Lafi went to school hungry many times, and now he has launched a campaign to help other children and families get a meal. Palestine
Egypt’s science-minded women show off their skills A competition organized by the British Council shows that young Egyptian women neither shy away from science nor think it is a man’s domain. Egypt
Egypt debates how to block dangerous viral games Following claims that the suicide of an Egyptian politician’s son was due to the "Blue Whale Challenge," Egyptians are seeking tighter restrictions on these types of online games. Egypt
Trailblazing Israeli-Druze photo artist fights against tradition Through her photos, Ameera Ziyan showcases the changes the Druze community is undergoing in its attitude toward art and gender equality. Israel
Is Iranian state TV’s monopoly at risk? Iran’s state TV, which is facing a crisis over viewership since some of its best directors walked out, has found a strong rival in the home video network. Iran
Syrian refugees find support, hope in Turkey's peaceful Kilis A vocational training center is helping Syrian refugees build new lives in the peaceful Turkish border town of Kilis, but more funding is needed to keep it going. Syria
Excavations start on Palestine’s oldest monastery St. Hilarion Monastery, named after the first monk in Palestine, gets international funding for a project that would enable its restoration in a two-year-long project. Palestine
